When you are raising a youngster with learning disabilities, it can be very challenging to get him the kind of individualized education program that fits his special needs and situation. Working with bureaucracies and academics can be frustrating and isolating. There is good news though. IEP help for parents is out there in the form of other parents who have faced the same issues and are sharing what their experiences have taught them.
These parents say that arming yourself with as much information as possible when it comes to the rights of your child is one of the most important things you can do. You can go online and search, check out library books, and join support groups locally and online. Communicating with other individuals who have gone through the same challenges you are facing is empowering. Not only will they have good advice, they are people who will laugh and cry right along with you.
You should ask for a copy of the IEP before you go into a meeting. This will give you time to read over it and give a copy to any professional, like a doctor, a lawyer, an advocate, or a neurologist, to look over and comment on. When you attend your meeting you will be in a position to ask intelligent questions and offer constructive comments regarding the contents of the report. You should also have a copy of your youngster's evaluation before a meeting so you have time to discuss it with independent professionals.
You are advised not to sign off on an IEP at the meeting. You have the right to look over it, taking as much time as you need, before signing. Most say that changes are made during the meeting that have to be studied. It's not uncommon for them to find factual errors, omissions, and incorrect listings.
You can always return the report with your signature after you feel comfortable everything is in order. All communications you have with administration through the mail should be certified. That way you know for a fact the school got the information because you can see who signed for it.
It's your right to have a professional come to the meeting with you, or for you to introduce a professional's letter into meeting records. Bringing an outside professional can be a good idea. This individual often speaks the same language as the academics and can make your points more precisely than you could.
You may bring a tape recorder with you. Most teachers and administrators don't mind especially if you mention it in advance. A tape recorder is better than taking notes because the people in the room have your full attention, and you have a complete record of the meeting.
You should always meet with the classroom teacher at the start of a new school year. Bringing a copy of IEP for the teacher is important because she may not get one any other way. You have the right to ask for a meeting at any time you are concerned your youngster's needs aren't being served.
These parents say that arming yourself with as much information as possible when it comes to the rights of your child is one of the most important things you can do. You can go online and search, check out library books, and join support groups locally and online. Communicating with other individuals who have gone through the same challenges you are facing is empowering. Not only will they have good advice, they are people who will laugh and cry right along with you.
You should ask for a copy of the IEP before you go into a meeting. This will give you time to read over it and give a copy to any professional, like a doctor, a lawyer, an advocate, or a neurologist, to look over and comment on. When you attend your meeting you will be in a position to ask intelligent questions and offer constructive comments regarding the contents of the report. You should also have a copy of your youngster's evaluation before a meeting so you have time to discuss it with independent professionals.
You are advised not to sign off on an IEP at the meeting. You have the right to look over it, taking as much time as you need, before signing. Most say that changes are made during the meeting that have to be studied. It's not uncommon for them to find factual errors, omissions, and incorrect listings.
You can always return the report with your signature after you feel comfortable everything is in order. All communications you have with administration through the mail should be certified. That way you know for a fact the school got the information because you can see who signed for it.
It's your right to have a professional come to the meeting with you, or for you to introduce a professional's letter into meeting records. Bringing an outside professional can be a good idea. This individual often speaks the same language as the academics and can make your points more precisely than you could.
You may bring a tape recorder with you. Most teachers and administrators don't mind especially if you mention it in advance. A tape recorder is better than taking notes because the people in the room have your full attention, and you have a complete record of the meeting.
You should always meet with the classroom teacher at the start of a new school year. Bringing a copy of IEP for the teacher is important because she may not get one any other way. You have the right to ask for a meeting at any time you are concerned your youngster's needs aren't being served.
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